[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Julie is a busy mom of three adorable kids – Elena, age 6; Luc, age 3, and Gia, age 1. They call Greenville, South Carolina home. Let’s learn a little bit about this Kindermusik Mom…[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]TC: Tell me a little about your own musical background.
JZ: I took piano lessons at the age of 5 and grew up having the privilege of many musical opportunities. I graduated with 2 degrees: in piano pedagogy and piano performance. I taught piano for 10 years.
TC: Why did you want to enroll your children in Kindermusik?
JZ: Because I understand the value of music mentally, socially and emotionally on a life. I started my oldest daughter, Elena, in Kindermusik classes as a baby, and she is now a proud 2016 Young Child graduate.
TC: How has being in Kindermusik impacted Elena?
JZ: It has really helped her develop a musical ear. She is not my naturally musically gifted one, and when she was little, she struggled with matching pitches or even coming close. As she grew up in Kindermusik, her musical ear grew stronger, too. It also taught her the disciplines of setting aside time to practice her instruments she learned in Young Child. Socially, it helped her work with her peers during ensemble play and in the younger classes, the concept of sharing and listening to others came much easier.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]TC: You also have Luc and Gia in the program. What do you love most about getting to do Kindermusik the second and third time over?
JZ: I enjoy the one on one time with them more and just carving out that time in the day to be very present with my child: to watch her, to listen, to play and explore together, a wonderful bonding environment. I also have learned the value of playing the music at home more. I have found it really helps them “play better” and get along better.
TC: What are some ways that Kindermusik has helped you be a better parent?
JZ: Reminding me that there’s not just ONE way to do things. I love the encouragement to explore together. Kindermusik has also taught me the value of SEEING the value in the “small” things we do each day with our children. “Just” holding them or rocking them is huge for the child and parent! Not just emotionally but physically.
TC: How has Kindermusik affected your relationship with each of your children?
JZ: Kindermusik has helped remind me that each child is different and that’s a good thing! One child may not be “actively-to-the-human-eye” participating due to anxieties or whatever reason, but Kindermusik reminds us of many different learning styles and some children absorb and process information much more internally than externally. And that’s ok! So learning to appreciate each child’s way of learning.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]TC: Do you feel your children are more musically inclined as a result of being in Kindermusik?
JZ: Yes, definitely.
TC: What is one way that Kindermusik has helped one of your children developmentally?
JZ: My 3 year old struggles with anxiety so Kindermusik is so good for him to in learning to deal with “new” situations, “new” friends, and “new” sounds.
TC: How does Kindermusik class “follow you at home” throughout the week?
JZ: We play music much more often now during playtime, while mommy is cooking, etc.
TC: How has being in Kindermusik benefited you personally?
JZ: I have found without even thinking I sing-talk through many of our activities. For instance, we have a song now for getting ready for church. A little tune that came to me that I just put words to that had to do with what we’re doing: getting ready for church. And there’s just something about singing your instructions to the kids that makes everyone enjoy the process more and look forward to the “activity” more.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]TC: What would you say is the greatest benefit your children have gained from being consistently enrolled in Kindermusik?
JZ: Their LOVE and appreciation of music
TC: What are some of your children’s most favorite Kindermusik songs?
JZ: “Toast, Toast” is a favorite when we’re making breakfast. Elena loves Bell Horses. I used “Ruru” as my second child’s special lullaby. All three kids LOVE “Catch Me.” Mommy’s favorite is “Toys away Toys away” – ha! 🙂
TC: Where do you see your children musically 5 or 10 years from now?
JZ: Taking piano lessons or violin lessons using their gifts to serve others.
TC: Why do you recommend Kindermusik to your friends? And why would you encourage a friend to sacrifice as you have to have all three children enrolled?
JZ: Because the benefits don’t stop when you leave the classroom. They continue for years to come. I have visual proof of that having taught piano students for years who grew up in the KM program. It won’t just benefit their music lessons but their school work as well.[/vc_column_text][vc_separator][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Shared by Theresa Case, who has had the immeasurable privilege of teaching all three of Julie’s beautiful children in her Kindermusik classes at Piano Central Studios in Greenville, SC.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]